Editor’s note: Wellesley Middle School Social Studies students as part of a Civics Action Project have this week taken over The Swellesley Report‘s letters-to-the-editor page. The students are well-versed in their topics, have carefully researched all angles, and are ready to present their opinions to the community. Thank you to the WMS Social Studies teachers for organizing this community-based project.

To the editor:

We are advocating to repave Weston Road. Specifically, we are trying to get Town Meeting to pass Article 20 on the Town Warrant. We know it’s been a topic in town meetings multiple times but it hasn’t been prioritized. This tells us that it has been an issue for a very long time without any change. Wouldn’t everyone want the citizens of Wellesley to be safe while driving, walking, and biking? Especially young children who want to enjoy their new bikes in the upcoming spring weather? They aren’t able to bike to school because of the dangerous conditions on the sidewalks. Cracks and uneven surfaces are not ideal for a sidewalk. Citizens don’t want to have to pay for a flat tire when they are on their way home. The expected lifespan of a road is 25 years, but Weston Road was last repaved in 1986, which is 39 years ago. We understand that money is a common issue for why change is delayed, but we believe that $5 million is worth the safety of hundreds of thousands of people. We want to ask for your support and advocacy for the reconstruction of Weston Road.

Thank you for your time,

Annie Huber
Claire McMahon
Emma Dooley